It’s a multi-million dollar industry, but for delivery riders it’s poorly paid and dangerous work. Unions and governments are turning their attention to the gig economy, after the deaths of five riders over recent months. And tonight, two of the families are speaking out. #abc730
Dede Fredy was hit by a car in Sydney’s Marrickville, dying in hospital three days later. His widow, Nyoman Sunarti, said Dede came to Australia for the sake of their son’s future. #abc730
Bijoy Paul was finally realising his dream of studying a Master of Engineering in Australia. He died two months after Dede Fredy, hit by a car in Sydney’s Rockdale. He would’ve graduated this year. #abc730
“It’s a massive loss for my parents … I can’t explain how we’re struggling at the moment. He had a promising career ahead of him, and he didn’t deserve to die at all. That’s why I think people should know the story of Bijoy.” – Shimu Paul, Bijoy’s sister #abc730
“They’re dying without the community blinking and they’re dying with these companies blinking – for them, it’s just a blip on the bottom line.” – Michael Kaine, Transport Workers' Union #abc730
“I really hope the government here will provide more protection for delivery riders like us, because life is really not easy for us.” – UberEats rider Elaine Tan #abc730